Harriman State Park, Pine Meadow Lake

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Harriman State Park, Pine Meadow Lake

Legend

Confirmed Access

NYC Area Beaches

Point of Interest

State or Town Park

Unknown or Unofficial

This is one of my favorite lakes in New York. It has crystal clear blue water, and large rocks that are perfect for lounging. I heard somewhere that this lake is fed by a spring, and that is why it’s so clear. It’s fairly remote, so even though spectacular, there weren’t too many people there. The clear blue water looks like something from the Caribbean, and the hike around the lake has a lot of interesting features, including abandoned houses and wells, and an old cemetery.

To get there, take NY-17 North into Sloatsburg, NY, and just after the downtown area you’ll take a right onto Seven Lakes Dr. (there with be signs guiding you). Take Seven Lakes Dr. for 4.2 miles and then take a left at the road for the boat launch, which is where you can park. Walk down Seven Lakes Dr. from the way you came for 3/4 mile, and you’ll come to a bridge. Slightly before the bridge on your left will be a trail (see map linked below). This is the Tuxedo-Mount Ivy trail (red), you’ll want to take this trail for about five minutes, and then get on the Hillburn Torne Sebago trail (orange). This trail will bring you up to the top of a tall peak and can be strenuous at times. From here take either of the Diamond Mountain Tower trails (yellow), and finally, a left on the Pine Meadow trail (red). You won’t be on the Pine Meadow trail for long before you see the lake on your right. There are other routes to get here, from different parking spots, so you can refer to the linked map if you want to try something different. Taking the Pine Meadow trail the whole way is longer but I’ve been told it’s much easier.

When I came here, I actually walked back the way I just described to you. I ended up here after visiting Lake Wanoksink and walked down one of the grey trails to here, and it’s only a 15 minute hike. This lake is just as clear and blue, but a little more isolated and not as crowded.

UPDATE-

08/18 We have been informed that swimming has been prohibited because of snapping turtles, please contact the park rangers to see if swimming is allowed. This may or may not be a temporary ban on swimming.

04/18 We have been contacted about the amount of litter being left at this location, and we urge everyone to be clean, quiet, and respectful of all natural areas. If you visit this, or any location, please bring an extra garbage bag and help keep it clean. If you live in the area please advocate for parking and littering fines to be enforced. It should go without saying, but everywhere you visit you should carry in, and then carry out, all of your refuse.

This is the message we received:

“It is with great misfortune that I beg you to visit the lake and witness first handedly the increase in waste left behind, along with the decimation of natural vegetation that surrounds the local area. My only plea is that you incorporate knowledge of carrying in what you carry out and the proper scouting of downed tree’s and dried wood, because the beautiful pine and shrubs are being uprooted and destroyed. It’s not a small change, but a huge change over the past year due to increased publicizing of Pine Meadow Lake. Please spread the word on preserving the area”

EARLIER UPDATE- We have been told that rangers asked a party to leave this area, so they might not allow swimming here now. We also recommend picking up or printing out a trail map before beginning your hike.